USCMO Holds 4th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the largest coalition of national, regional, and local Muslim organizations, held its 4th Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on Monday and Tuesday May 7th and 8th, 2018. About 450 activists representing 31 states and 72 organizations convened on Capitol Hill to connect national, regional and state Muslim Organizations, community members and activists with their elected representatives.

The delegates met with more than 250 elected officials and congressional staffers – about one third of the House of Representatives and half of the Senate – during this year’s Advocacy Day. Sen Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Congressman Al Green (D-TX), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Congressman Joaquín Castro (D-TX), and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) were among the elected officials who met Muslim leaders and delegates.

A major highlight of this year’s Advocacy Day was the introduction of H. Res. 869 Recognizing the History of American Muslims and Their Contributions to our Nation by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA). USCMO applauds and thanks Representative Judy Chu.

TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Support H. Res. 869, a Resolution Recognizing the History of American Muslims and Their Contributions to our Nation

USCMO’S advocacy day event focused on promoting a legislative agenda in support of equality and social justice issues that would:

• Repeal and limit the Trump Administration’s “Muslim Ban” executive orders and other discriminatory visa issuance and border patrol programs;
• Support “Dreamers,” the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders;
• Oppose new restrictions to the immigration system that would limit visas and family-based immigration;
• Support gun safety reform without compromising the safety and rights of American Muslims; and,
• Ensure the 2018 Farm Bill Priorities guarantees all communities have a right and means to access nutritious, sufficient, affordable and culturally appropriate food.

USCMO marks the 4th Annual National Muslim advocacy Day on Capitol hill another overwhelming success.